The disruptions caused by the Covid-19 variant include millions of workers calling out sick, kids unable to go to school, and travelers stranded, sometimes for days on end. Plus, the U.S. and Russia meet for talks, but while the goals are clear – avoiding an invasion of Ukraine – there's little insight into how to do it, and even less confidence Vladimir Putin is in the mood to listen.

To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices